Peter Mayhew, the Man Behind Chewbacca’s Mask, Dies at 74
by: keaton marcus
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU, MR. MAYHEW
Peter Mayhew with the Chewbacca mask in an interview.
Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew under the mask), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guiness) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in “Star Wars: A New Hope” released in 1977.
Peter Mayhew’s family announced his death on the evening of April 30th, and explained that he died with his family by his side in his North Texas home. The actor grew to over 7 feet tall, and was born in 1944, resulting in a 74-year life-span. The actor died of a heart-attack.
Mayhew, a British actor, was not given the publicity that he clearly deserved. Known the most for portraying the gentle giant Chewbacca, the character was one of the most beloved roles in the massive, money-making “Star Wars” franchise. Mayhew showed up to play the famed hero along side Harrison Ford from “Star Wars: A New Hope” released in 1977, all the way to the gargantuan, box office giant “The Force Awakens”, released in 2015—yep, almost 50 years of playing a fluffy giant with a crossbow.
Peter Mayhew, at a massive 7 foot 3 inches, climbed into the lovable costume and became Han Solo’s loyal sidekick on the famed spaceship, the Millenium Falcon. Because of his form of gigantism in his early teens, when he was still very, abnormally tall— a producer spotted him working as an orderly in a London hospital, soon after, Mayhew was cast as a massive bronze figure in “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger”. Later, Mayhew was even recommended to George Lucas, to play the towering, cuddly giant Chewbacca in the first “Star Wars” film.
Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew, again) along with Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” released in 2015.
Mayhew had no lines with Chewbacca, the voice was provided by animal sounds—but it completely changed his life forever—he did not just appear in the films, he was also in many “Star Wars” commercials, and even the guilty-pleasure spin-off “Star Wars Holiday Special” in 1978, right after “A New Hope” was released.
Peter Mayhew, at a massive 7 foot 3 inches, climbed into the lovable costume and became Han Solo’s loyal sidekick on the famed spaceship, the Millenium Falcon. Because of his form of gigantism in his early teens, when he was still very, abnormally tall— a producer spotted him working as an orderly in a London hospital, soon after, Mayhew was cast as a massive bronze figure in “Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger”. Later, Mayhew was even recommended to George Lucas, to play the towering, cuddly giant Chewbacca in the first “Star Wars” film.
His family, and partner in the franchise, Harrison Ford both gave death statements—the family said “He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca, and it showed in every frame of the films”—Ford commented that he was “a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character.” George Lucas also commented on his passing, saying that “He was the closest any human being could be to a Wookie: big heart, gentle nature.”
In most cases, such a role would be considered pretty darn small, and to most people, it would pass right by them—however, Chewbacca became legendary, and was one of the main faces of the “Star Wars” franchise. The character has been a major part of our lives this century, and really, is one of my favorite roles in the “Star Wars” saga.